Under the radar Bears players you must know before they become big topics in training camp and potentially earn roster spots
The Chicago Bears are currently on summer break until training camp kicks off in late July. In the meantime, let’s shed light on some players who could stand out that aren’t being talked about enough.
One week is down for summer break for the Chicago Bears with fans counting down the days until training camp kicks off in late July.
And there’s no better time than now to break down some of the roster hopefuls currently flying under the radar based on what we learned throughout OTAs and minicamp.
When training camp opens, these players could be in strong positions to earn a spot on the 53-man roster that fans aren’t talking about nearly enough. So, let’s break down the six different players we have on the list.
Chicago Bears under the radar players to watch when training camp opens
LB Jack Sanborn
First up is veteran linebacker Jack Sanborn, a familiar face most Bears fans know well. Sanborn was a UDFA success story after landing with Chicago in 2022, starting 19 of 48 games played with the Bears. He was a dependable backup at the linebacker position and core special teamer. After following former head coach Matt Eberflus to Dallas for one season, Sanborn is back with the Bears under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
Sanborn isn’t just a feel good story going into camp. Due to the amount of injuries at the position, Sanborn found himself on solid ground throughout the offseason program and his experience should continue to give him a leg up going into camp.
It would not surprise me in the slightest if Sanborn not only earns a roster spot, but even proves himself as the LB3 behind Devin Bush and T.J. Edwards by the time the season rolls around.
OL Jordan McFadden
Next up is Jordan McFadden, the team’s playoff hero that stepped up in a pinch and started at left guard against the Los Angeles Rams while Joe Thuney kicked over to left tackle. McFadden clearly earned plenty of trust from the coaching staff to get called up in that moment and he delivered in that game against a tough defensive front.
Head coach Ben Johnson values his depth up-front and training camp will be when the real battles start in the trenches once pads come on. McFadden will be going up against 2025 sixth-round pick Luke Newman and 2026 UDFA Caden Barnett for one of the interior depth spots on the roster.
With the Bears expected to keep both Garrett Bradbury and Logan Jones at center, it’s likely only one of the three make the cut. McFadden’s name is the one flying under the radar given the recent pick of Newman and the UDFA hype around Barnett.
CB Terell Smith/Jaylon Jones
Which cornerbacks make the final cut will be a fun battle to watch on the backend of the roster. Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Malik Muhammad, and Josh Blackwell are basically locks with perhaps only one more spot being left open.
That’ll lead to a healthy competition between Terell Smith and Jaylon Jones, but special teams impact will go a long way in deciding that final spot. UDFA rookie KC Eziomume is another one to potentially watch out for.
DT Kentavius Street
Among all of the offseason additions, Kentavius Street is perhaps the most overlooked one of them all. I’ve hardly seen anyone discuss this guy since signing a one-year deal but he’s certainly going into be in the mix for one of the interior depth positions.
Neville Gallimore and Jordan van den Berg will be the main players to watch competing for a rotational role behind Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett, but I’ll have my eyes out for what Street can show as well. He’s honestly one of the most under the radar players on the entire 91-man roster going into camp.
S Skyler Thomas
Last but not least, we have UDFA safety Skyler Thomas. Most fans have been paying attention to Dillon Thieneman at the safety position and for good reason as he’s set to start alongside Coby Bryant. When it comes to the backups, the Bears have two veterans in Elijah Hicks (who split time with the first and second-team) and Cam Lewis (who was limited during the offseason program).
My question is whether or not Thomas can show out once pads come on and into the preseason to push for a final spot in the secondary.